Pulmonary Embolism

📖What is Pulmonary Embolism?

Pulmonary embolism is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition in which a blood clot, usually originating in the deep veins of the legs, travels through the bloodstream and lodges in an artery in the lungs, blocking blood flow to part of the lung tissue. This sudden obstruction reduces the amount of oxygen that can be delivered to the blood and places significant strain on the heart's right side, which must pump against increased resistance. The severity of pulmonary embolism ranges from small clots causing minimal symptoms to massive clots that cause sudden collapse and death. It is considered a medical emergency requiring rapid diagnosis through imaging such as CT pulmonary angiography and prompt treatment with blood-thinning medication to prevent further clot formation and allow the body to gradually dissolve the existing clot. Prevention in high-risk situations, such as after major surgery or during prolonged immobility, is a key focus of medical care.

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